Synopsis
“Gridman Universe” is a 2023 Japanese animated science fiction film incorporating the characters and narratives of the 1993 live-action series Denkou Choujin Gridman and its subsequent animated adaptations SSSS.Gridman (2018) and SSSS.Dynazenon (2021). Made by the animation and production company Studio Trigger, and known for their animation style and storytelling techniques, the film serves as a heartfelt and exhilarating crossover for fans as well as newcomers to both anime series.
Although the SSSS.Gridman and SSSS.Dynazenon series mostly had different characters and plots, the film “Gridman Universe” combines the characters from both series into a single timeline and reality, considering the aftermath of the cliff-hangers from their respective shows. The film revolves on the thematic elements of converging worlds, both physical and metaphysical bonds between the characters of the film.
The narrative of the film takes place after the the events of SSSS.Gridman. Yuta Hibiki, a high school student, used to merge with the mysterious digital hero Gridman. He is now grappling with the disoriented memories of strange battles, and the strange feelings that something about the world is not right. Hibiki, though his life now seems normal is going through something.
The film also explores the characters from SSSS.Dynazenon. They include Yomogi Asanaka, Yume Minami, Koyomi Yamanaka, and Chise Asukagawa. Although they fought kaiju (giant digital monsters), the characters realize the world has changed in subtler, more troubling ways, and they consider the uneasy calm that suggests the story isn’t over.
The film discusses the unresolved digital threat in metaphorical ways and offers clues that, unlike the first, the worlds of Gridman and Dynazenon are fusing. This symbolically blending of the worlds is neither chaotic nor frightening, but masterfully renders the themes of the film: the world of the self, becoming, and growth.
Gridman, the digital hero, now comes again, but this time, with more profound and different human emotions. He goes back ready to help those struggling to find meaning in their lives, and to protect their world.
The characters are haunted by their own journeys—what they’ve lost, and what they’ve gained in order to grow and take on the new relationships that they, and the rest, and the audience, must come to terms with.
The climax represents more than just an occurrence. It embodies a combination of personal decisions, collective experiences, and a reconfirmation of ties. The film does not center on the conflict but instead presents trust, cooperation, and belonging.
Understanding, not “winning” in the usual manner, is what the heroes attain. All the disparate timelines, feelings, and realities transform into a new, promising start. The final statement of the film is powerful. It suggests that, although the world may seem complicated, the essence of life is the relationships we have with one another.
Main Characters & Cast
The film brings back favorite faces from SSSS.Gridman and SSSS.Dynazenon, with their original voice actors once more assigned to their roles.
From SSSS.Gridman:
Yuta Hibiki – Voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa
He is a kind and considerate student who merged with Gridman. His character continues to grow and deepen as he discovers more about his friendships and his own purpose.
Rikka Takarada – Voiced by Yume Miyamoto
Rikka is smart and gentle. With emotional strength and insight, she quietly supports Yuta and the others.
Sho Utsumi – Voiced by Soma Saito
Yuta’s friend, who offers grounding and reason and serves as the group’s analytical mind.
Akane Shinjou – Voiced by Reina Ueda
A complex character from the original Gridman series who returns in an important role, showing growth and redemption.
From SSSS.Dynazenon:
Yomogi Asanaka – Voiced by Daiki Hamano
A sincere and mature young man who learns about teamwork and purpose through his experiences with Dynazenon.
Yume Minami – Voiced by Shion Wakayama
Thoughtful and introspective, Yume’s character arc focuses on emotional healing and self-discovery.
Koyomi Yamanaka – Voiced by Junya Enoki
A more serious and reserved character who shows quiet strength and determination.
Chise Asukagawa – Voiced by Chika Anzai
Energetic and curious, Chise represents youthful hope and creative spirit.
These characters come from different emotional backgrounds, but in Gridman Universe, they find common ground and mutual respect.
Direction, Animation & Style
Directed by Akira Amemiya, a key figure in the revival of the Gridman anime series, Gridman Universe reflects the strengths of Studio Trigger’s animation philosophy—dynamic visuals, expressive character designs, and a deep understanding of how to portray emotion through motion.
The film does not rely on spectacle for spectacle’s sake, using visual storytelling instead to complement the emotions being expressed. Subtle, distinctive, custom color shifts, digital-inspired effects, and smart cutting show the contrast and differences of various characters and their feelings or perceptions from all angles.
The hand-drawn and digital combo makes the animation feel new while still being traditional in anime. The pacing of the scenes in the anime gives time to feel the moments and reflect, both before and after the important events of the story during daily life, in character interactions, and during solitude.
Shiro Sagisu’s score, which he composed for the previous entries of the series, contributes a lot to the film’s emotional feeling. The film’s inspiring and introspective moments are heightened with music that varies from soft piano to fast paced orchestral.
IMDb Ratings & Reception
Received warmly by both previous series and new viewers alike, Gridman Universe has a score of 7.3/10 and positive reception on IMDb. It has received praise for:
Emotional Depth
Strong Character Development
Creative Animation
Thoughtful Storytelling
The film has received attention for mature treatment of themes such as self-worth, community, and heroism, in contrast to the other films that focus on high-stake action.Reviewers noted how the movie connects two disparate series as yet still stands on its own. As a result, the film provides closure, creating an experience that feels as much like a finale as a new beginning.
Conclusion
Gridman Universe is a beautifully rendered film that is heartfelt & incorporates much more than the science fiction genre. It is a tale of coming of age and the more complex themes of learning to relate to others and accepting and integrate one’s self.
In drawing characters from different corners of the Gridman franchise together, the film does more than unify a narrative universe. It also encapsulates the more poignant themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the urge to defend something precious.
If this is your first foray into Gridman, the film is a moving tribute to one of the more important aspects of being human. The animation is spectacular and the theme of the film is a celebration of heroism.
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